Alternative interpretation: O&G Company was planning to get their plan in order first for how they would drill the area, then figure out how to convince the residents to support the project.
By flipping the script, and revealing the information early they gave the residents more power to push back against the project or expect more equitable compensation.
By flipping the script, and revealing the information early they gave the residents more power to push back against the project or expect more equitable compensation.